GOOD DAY TO SIT: Makes sense that Mark Teixeira is taking a day off against James Shields. In his career, Teixeira is a .125/.236/.125 hitter against Shields. Frankly, this group of Yankees has typically struggled against Shields. The current Yankees roster has a career .247/.308/.345 career slash line against him, and those numbers propped up by Alex Rodriguez's .278/.371/.519, and obviously he's not going to help out today.

ONE AWAY: Derek Jeter needs one stolen base to reach 350 for his career. Dave Robertson needs one appearance to past Mel Stottlemyre for sole possession of 13th place on the Yankees all-time games pitched list.

ON THIS DATE: On June 8, 1969, the Yankees celebrated Mickey Mantle Day at Yankee Stadium. Mantle's No. 7 was retired and plaque unveiled in his honor. The Yankees swept a doubleheader that day. (Also on this date, my sister was born. Happy birthday Laura.)